Help suggest a good wine

[mthomas]

I am new at wines and planning parties, so am looking to the experts for some advice. I'm planning a dinner party and wonder what wine to serve. I'd like to have a wine available when people arrive - it's a small party of 10 people beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the meal served at 7:30. The menu for the meal includes apples and greens salad - salmon filet with champagne basil sauce, and epicurean wild rice. For Hors d'oeurves we're having assorted gourmet cheese with assorted crackers and mixed nuts. Does my appetizer wine need to match with the wine served during the meal? What suggestions do you have for types of wine?